Monday, 28 December 2015

Television is changing in modern times. With an increase in the availability of streaming devices and the higher internet speeds, networks are reporting lower viewership than in years past, and frankly this isn’t a surprise.

But that doesn’t mean we still don’t love watching series. Television in Australia nowadays has become the means by which we watch reality TV, the news and sport. But what about non-Australian content? Programs out of the US have always made up a significant proportion of what is broadcast on the tube, and it is the same in countries all over the world.

Let’s take a look at the most watched US television programs in Australia and compare this with other countries.

As you’ll soon see below, US sit-com and crime dramas make up most of the list. You can simply just flick them on while you’re cooking dinner or chatting and they can be thoroughly enjoyed by tuning in from time to time. If you miss an episode, it’s not the end of the world. This might explain while these kinds of shows are watched more on TV rather than downloaded or streamed.

Interesting, Australia’s top ten looks quite similar to that of Canada’s, which also has The Big Bang Theory and Quantico at 1 and 2, with Criminal Minds and How to Get Away With Murder in the mix.

Argentina, however is very different with the 90’s seeming to dominate the top 10. The Simpsons and ER are 1 and 2 and Zorro comes in at 5.

Meanwhile, Mexico has some very surprising results as cartoon and children’s programs are the most viewed. The Mexicans seem to be obsessed with American kids’ shows including Marvin Marvin, Spongebob, Power Rangers, The Sylvester and Tweety Mysteries, iCarly and Adventure Time, all of which are in the top 10.

It’s always interesting to see the very different viewing habits of people from different countries and as usual the results have surprised us! But keep in mind these difference might simply say something about what can be legally shown in the country in question.

For more information on the viewing habits of countries around the world, check out this link.

If you’re looking to upgrade your home entertainment system to enjoy the best programming Australian TV has to offer, chat to a Local Bloke antenna professional in Ipswich. We are experts in antenna installation, TV wall mounting, home theatre set-up and more!

Sunday, 29 November 2015

When it comes to picking out the best digital antenna for your home, it might seem like you can’t really go wrong, as long as you purchase one that is good quality.

After all, the majority of antennas out there can pick up the digital signal just fine; in fact even old TV antennas have no problem doing so, despite the fact that the analogue signal has been turned off in Australia for a couple of years.

However old antennas don’t last forever and it’s not uncommon to start seeing faults in the picture and sound quality over time - wear and tear takes its toll eventually. If you’re noticing this and believe the problem is with the antenna, here’s a few things you should consider as you look to upgrade.

Don’t Skimp Out On Price

In the case of most electrical goods, good quality antennas are a far and away worth the extra money that it costs to purchase them. A good antenna can last a number of decades in most cases and give you a greater chance of picking up a good signal for longer. If you’re purchasing the antenna yourself, make sure you do your research on the particular models and speak to your retailer to get their suggestions.

Think About Your Position

The antenna you purchase needs to be appropriate to the location of your home and its proximity to your closest TV broadcast tower. There are antennas on the market that are better suited to homes that are 75+ kilometers away from the tower and others that you’ll be fine with if you’re situated any closer.

But the physical location where you place the antenna on your roof is also a contributing factor in determining the quality of the picture/sound that your digital TV picks up. Generally, you’ll be looking to place it in a straight line view of the tower on the side of your house.

If you live in the city however, chances are you don’t really need to worry about this. Tall buildings often reflect TV signals all over the place so unless you have the proper equipment, you won’t know where the signal is coming from. The negative approach of this is that sometimes they actually block the signal, meaning you might have to add TV antenna boosters and amplifiers. In such cases calling a professional is highly recommended.

Be Wary of DIY Dangers

The practical difficulties and potential dangers of installing an antenna on your roof should not be underestimated. For one thing, installing an outdoor antenna requires that you climb up on the roof and play with electrical wires. This is one of the leading causes of accidents in and around the home. Also keep in mind that if you’re anywhere near electrical wires, look out. Given that it is a conductor, the antenna will draw electricity and sadly there have been many fatalities around the world as a result of people not taking the necessary precautions.

Strongly Consider Going with a Professional

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when it comes to picking out and installing the proper antenna. There is no doubt that it is worth having a top-of-the-line antenna at your home, as the upside of enjoying all the wonders of digital TV is too much to miss out on! But it does take technical knowledge and practical skills that, quite frankly, very few people have both.

If you are going to get the job done yourself, do your research and make sure you know what you’re doing. If you don’t feel confident enough of have lack of proper equipment, here in Ipswich Local Bloke Antenna Services is always prepared to save yourself from the stress. Give us a call for any digital TV antenna, TV point installation, MATV system or home theatre set up related query. Happy to help you always!